SusanInToronto

I've started budget planning for a trip to Australia. I've noticed various rates for accommodation depending on whether it's peak or shoulder season. We're planning to go to Sydney, Tasmania (after all the good advice I got here!) and probably the Sunshine coast area in mid-February to mid-March (approximate dates). Would that be considered peak season in those areas? Shoulder season? We've travelled a lot in Mexico - that's definitely peak season down there, but I don't know about Australia. Thanks.

lizF

Australia is such as large country that peak seasons are very different in the different areas in Australia except for School holidays when the whole of Australia is in peak season. <BR>I would think again about going to the Sunshine Coast in mid-February as that time is our rainy season and can be very muggy and hot.

SusanInToronto

Thanks Liz. A friend had suggested Byron Bay as a possible destination for us. I guess that's not really the Sunshine Coast, but also maybe not a good idea given the time of year? When is it a good time to visit that area? <BR><BR>If we don't go there, is there a beach area you would suggest? We'll be in Sydney, probably for a couple of weeks, so are wanting to see something else. February or March is the best time for us to travel - mainly because we want to escape winter in Canada!<BR><BR>Thanks.

johhj_au

Susan....I'd start listening a lot more to that Byron friend of yours.<BR><BR>Get youself a dirt cheap car rental from say Bayswater rentals in sydney and take off for a week or two up the coast. Maybe even go as far as the sunshine coast but i bet you won't get past Byron..because Byron and hinterland are special.<BR>it leaves those overated mexican resorts for dead. you will be snow birding down under every year then.<BR><BR>Go into the ranges and maybe out west on the way back to sydney (if its not too hot)<BR><BR>Cool off from the hot weather by hitting the surf each day.<BR><BR>Mid feb to mid march is out of peak season (school hols run dec-jan)A wide range of economical accomodation available.

SusanInToronto

Thanks John - sounds like a great idea.<BR><BR>You sound so down on Mexico! I guess I'd agree about the overrated Mexican resorts - we typically don't stay in resorts though and Mexico is a wonderful country to visit. It's got a lot more to offer than beaches - check out the current issue of Bon Appetit magazine. Lots of history, culture AND it's only a 4 hour flight from home. <BR><BR>But I'm off topic - thanks for the info on Byron Bay! It sounds like what we're looking for. <BR><BR>

lizF

Byron is just that bit further south from the Sunshine Coast and therefore the temps can be up to 4 deg Celcius cooler so I agree with John totally. Having experienced the joke of the &quot;Mexican Riviera&quot; last year I agree with John on that score as well. You will find we are cheaper than Mexico and you will have a cleaner and more beautiful holiday.

margo_oz

February March is a great season to travel - especially along the coast of New South Wales, where it's a tad cooler than Queensland. There are some wonderful beach places to stay, depending on just what you want, from solitude to full on happening. And the weather will be heaps better than Torontoo (especially just now!)

SusanInToronto

Thanks for the encouraging replies!